Rev. Farrakhan And A Raw Nerve

November 26, 1985|By Walter Smith.

NILES — In response to a Voice of the people letter by Edward Elbaum, commander of the Jewish War Veterans of Illinois, I would like to point out a few historical facts. Rev. Louis Farrakhan was not the author of separatist feelings within this society. Although I personally denounce most of his statements, Rev. Farrakhan did not create an ill-starred, illegitimate society that created the hate and anti-Semitism that he voices.

If racism, poverty and injustice were not realities in the black communities throughout America, Rev. Farrakhan`s message would fall on deaf ears. How can a war veteran who fought side by side with fellow Americans of every race and creed to keep this country safe for democracy justify the undemocratic way black citizens have been treated?

For every action there is a reaction. Rev. Farrakhan is reacting to a situation based on oppression. A facade does not make liberty, justice and equality a reality. Far too long, the liberal establishment of this country has created a situation of hope, where there has been no hope. Rev. Farrakhan is hated in America by liberals as well as conservatives, because he has in fact touched a nerve which is the conscience of this society.